The Fishtail Braid Bun Is the New Sock Bun

Stop everything. We’ve discovered the it hairstyle for the sunny season: the fishtail braid bun. Perfect for sweltering days, it can easily transition from the office to a candlelit alfresco dinner. Even better? It’s ridiculously easy to pull off. (Not that your coworkers or dinner date need to know that.) Birchbox editor Meredith Stebbins demonstrates how to create this gorgeous plaited bun:

Step 1

First, work a wide-toothed comb through your strands to work out any stubborn knots and kinks. This style works best on second day hair, which tends to have more texture. (Having long hair also helps.)

Step 2

Pull your hair in a high ponytail and secure with a slim elastic. For best results, make sure it’s not too tight. Remember: The look you’re aiming for here is relaxed chic—not stiff and sleek.

Step 3

Split your ponytail in two sections. Then cross a small section from the left to the right to create a classic fishtail weave. If you’re a newbie, watch this in-depth tutorial for a primer on the basics behind this braid.

Step 4

Once you’ve finished the braid, secure at the end with a clear elastic so it won’t show when you’re finished.

Step 5

Next, wrap your braid around the base of your ponytail.

Step 6

Secure the bun in place with a few bobby pins—try to push them through the hair elastics to make the hairstyle more secure.

Step 7

To keep your braid bun in place and tame flyaways, spritz on a frizz-taming hairspray like Oribe Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray. It’s infused with vitamin B5 to boost volume and shine too.

Step 8

That’s it! Carefully pull and loosen your bun for a more bohemian effect, if that’s the look you’re after.